Rohit Bal dies at 63, brings the curtain down on an epic era of Indian fashion

A maverick thinker in the world of fashion who never hesitated to experiment and also encourage juniors, Bal opened his first flagship store in Delhi followed by Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai. He has also ventured into designing jewellery but for the last few years before his demise today, he had not been keeping well and was hospitalised on several occasions.

But this year, the designer made a thumping comeback on the runway, as late as October 13, at the LFWxFDCI show which was concluded with his last collection Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe.

The collection left audiences spellbound, with its celebration of the boundless beauty of nature and the delicate elegance of flowers.

Held at the magnificent Imperial Hotel, the evening was a breath-taking tribute to nature’s eternal cycle of growth, reflected in every garment that graced the runway.

Rohit Bal’s collection, inspired by Lakmē Rouge Bloom launch, captured the essence of life’s slow unfolding beauty—just like a flower in bloom. The collection featured flowing fabrics, intricate embroidery, and vibrant hues that mirrored the mysteries of the universe. Delicate floral motifs symbolized the bloom of life, with each ensemble narrating the journey of a flower from bud to full bloom under a starlit sky.

The finale was a true spectacle, with actress Ananya Panday as the show stopper.

“Kaaynaat was a journey through the wonders of nature, celebrating the bloom of life and beauty. This collection reflects both the grace of nature and the enduring power of beauty,” said Bal after the show.

Sadly, it turned out to be his last show in life. Among other accolades interspersing his chequered career, in 2020, Bal was recognized as Iconic Fashion Designer of the country by the jury of the Rajnigandha Pearls India Fashion Awards.